A Millennial’s Approach to Attracting the Best Gen Y Talent

In recent months, thousands of Gen Y’ers graduated college and are actively searching for a job.

And employers are also actively searching for younger candidates but at times may not feel like they are getting the responses they expect. To attract young talent it is important to understand what they are looking for and where to find them.

Here are five ways that employers can attract the best of Gen Y:

Understand Gen Y Priorities

Provide some perks in the job that attract Gen Y. As a Gen Y member myself, I look for flexibility in a job, the ability to advance, and room to try new things.

Create Programs to Attract Gen Y

From the time we were teens we have had guidance in everything, what college to go to, what to major in, how to find a job, etc. Therefore when looking for a job, one of the most important things Gen Y looks for are mentorship programs or other programs that will benefit us in our career.

Look Beyond the Resume

If you are looking for young talent, you can’t focus just on experience, because in the bigger scheme of things, we don’t have a lot of experience. You need to focus more on performance, value, and character.

Write Better Job Descriptions

We are tired of reading “excellent oral and verbal communication” and “great organizational skills.” We know that these are required for any job we come across, therefore add more character to the job description, which makes it feel like you are speaking directly to us. Also highlight company culture, because it is important to us.

Go Where They Go

Gen Y is constantly connected and a member of every social media network available. So, if you are looking for young talent, make sure that you too are connected and available to be found as well.

About the Author:Elizabeth Short is a recent graduate of James Madison University (JMU), with a B.S. in writing, rhetoric, and technical communication and a minor in communication studies. As an undergraduate at JMU, Elizabeth gained experience in writing and editing through various class projects and jobs. She was actively involved in Sigma Alpha Iota, an international music fraternity, and PRSSA while at JMU. Elizabeth enjoys learning new things and looks forward to learning more with Come Recommended.

I think a big thing for attracting millennial is a fun and easy going work environment. I know a 20-something who happily traded more than a few grand for the ability to wear jeans & flip flops to work…